Before the weather seriously dips into unspeakable temperatures, we took it upon ourselves to take a little weekend away to Stowe, Vermont to take in the peak time where the leaves change for fall. Now earlier this year, avid readers of Athleisure Mag know that we spent a weekend in Woodstock Vermont in March right after a snowstorm and we took in snow sports as well as learning about the area.

With this previous knowledge, we knew we wanted to enjoy hikes, the cuisine of the area and a number of the luxurious amenities offered at our host, Stowe Mountain Lodge a part of Destination Hotels. In addition, we partnered with GMC 2019 Canyon Denali and took it to make the journey for a classic fall weekend. When you’re taking a road trip, being able to have access to OnStar, access to GPS (perfect when you realize you need to re-route due to traffic) and of course being able to listen to SiriusXM radio or connecting your phone to not only charge in the vehicle but to play your own music - hands free - this is the luxury truck you want to be in.

We talked with a few people to find out more about this property. From a culinary perspective, we enjoyed a curated 4 course meal via Stowe Mountain's Chefs Table at Solstice with a wine pairing. In addition, we enjoyed a number of meals that focused on a handcrafted cocktail menu as well as beer flights from breweries that are local to the region.

Our Solstice Chefs Table menu incorporated aspects of what we had yet to eat at the restaurant (to highlight new ingredients), ingredients that we were interested in trying or staying away from as well as our chef's creativity. The dinner along with its pairing was perfection and we circled back to Executive Chef Sean Blomgren to find out about our meal as well as the ability to book a Chefs Table experience as a guest.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed our Chefs Table dinner which had a phenomenal wine pairing along with 4 courses. Is it typical that guests get to have an impact on items that could appear on their personalized menu?

EXECUTIVE CHEF SEAN BLOMGREN: That's the whole point. We want to know about the guest’s preferences as best we can. It is that information that helps us create a truly customized experience. If you tell us that you really like steak, that helps me to create an awesome steak course. Even during the meal we are able to adapt to feedback and collaborate on where the meal is headed. I still make sure that there are a few surprises mixed in!AM: Where did you train, where did you work previously to this restaurant and how long have you been here?

EC SB: I have been here just over a year now. Previously, I was in Telluride, Colorado, Washington DC, Charleston, Aspen, and Boston working at some of the top hotels and resorts in the country. Culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Boston.

AM: What is your culinary style and what do you enjoy about making great meals at Stowe Mountain Lodge?

EC SB: I try and use the amazing bounty that Vermont has to offer. I also like taking something familiar to most people and adding something new or changing it a bit. The flavors of Asia play a big part in a lot of my cooking, but the French training is always at the core.AM: Seasonality and sustainability are so important in the culinary world, how is this achieved and created at the restaurants at the resort?

EC SB: We have 4 very distinct seasons here in Stowe and that allows us to be able to change the menu often to highlight what is at its peak. Some of the classics remain year-round, but there are so many great producers around here that we try to focus on by always evolving.

People come to Stowe for a number of reasons and the fact that there are 4 distinct seasons and the backdrop is Stowe Mountain, guests can really enjoy a number of activities. Earlier this year when we were in Vermont, we went Snowshoe Walking - so this time, we knew we wanted to go hiking and take in a classic fall day in Vermont. Our walk was conducted by Tyler Royer, Director of Recreation at Stowe Mountain Lodge.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us about the outdoor/recreational program? We enjoyed hiking with Tyler and learning about the area - what is his background and how did he come to the resort?

SPRUCE PEAK OUTFITTERS: Spruce Peak Outfitters is the focused point for Stowe Mountain Lodge guests and club members who are looking to explore all the activities and adventures the Stowe area has to offer. Our experienced guides organize and lead various seasonal activities to enhance and personalize every guest experience. We offer outings that range from hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding to ice-climbing, kayaking, brewery tours, art classes, and more. For guests looking to find their own adventures in Stowe, we act as an informational resource and are more than welcome to provide our local guidance, knowledge, or advice.

Tyler Royer is the Destination & Conference Services Manager here at Stowe Mountain Lodge and manages our team here at Spruce Peak Outfitters. He has been an integral part of the Stowe Mountain Lodge family for more than 6 years. He is a born and bred Vermonter, although he obtained his Corporate Communications degree at the College of Charleston in South Carolina in 2007. Tyler has spent a portion of his career in New York City where he worked organizing corporate team-building, training, and group development events and activities. He has since returned to the Stowe Mountain Lodge to pursue his passion for group and recreational services within the close-knit and caring community of Stowe, VT.

AM: How are hikes created for individuals or groups that are interested in participating?

SPO: Each season Spruce Peak Outfitters publishes a schedule of hikes and other activities (including fly-fishing, rock climbing, boat tours, etc.) that goes out to guests and groups here at the Lodge. Guests interested in these excursions then reach out to our team to book their spot on the outing. We offer hikes ranging from easy to difficult with a variety of features along the way. Each hike is unique and has a different focus based entirely on the interests of our guests. We may focus on historical aspects of the area, foliage or seasonal changes, waterfalls, or scenic views and overlooks. Outside of the set schedule we also offer entirely customizable hikes based on guest requests or specific interests.

AM: Tyler shared a story about how skiing has a birthplace of sports in a way - can you expound on this?

SPO: Stowe is widely considered the birthplace and Capital of skiing on the East Coast. In the 1930’s the Civilian Conservation Corps cut the first purposefully-created ski trail in Vermont known as the Bruce Trail in the Ranch Camp Valley at the base of Mt. Mansfield. Remnants from this camp can still be found today in the Stowe Cross-Country Center. Local lore tells a story of two men; Craig Burt, the owner of the Ranch Camp Valley land and a prominent Nordic skier in the area, and Austrian-native Sepp Ruschp, a famous Alpine skier and instructor who saw the potential that Mt. Mansfield and Stowe had for the sport. Both men argued for their style of skiing and a competition from the peak of Mansfield to downtown Stowe ensued. Each man competed in his preferred style of skiing, and Sepp Ruschp won the race – fueling the development of alpine skiing we see in Stowe today. Stowe remains a mecca for both Nordic and Alpine skiing to this day.

AM: What are key things that one must keep in mind when taking a hike in Vermont - in terms of a checklist of sorts of things to have on hand, what to wear, pack and to stay mindful of!

SPO: We recommend always planning ahead and being prepared for every outdoor activity found here in Vermont. Bring a buddy or tell someone your plans ahead of time. Bring a map, water, food, extra layers, sturdy footwear, rain/snow gear, and a first aid kit. More difficult trails may require a headlamp or trekking poles to help you along the trail. The weather in the Green Mountains is not entirely predictable so always bring extra layers to add or shed along the trail!

With a number of activities available on site and nearby - as well as a number of places to eat, we wanted to find out additional information about this resort which really caters to any guest that is taking time here.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about Stowe Mountain Lodge - who is drawn to this resort during the year?

STOWE MOUNTAIN LODGE: Stowe Mountain Lodge at Spruce Peak is for everyone – Families, friends, couples someone looking for a solo adventure. AM: What is the busiest time of year at Stowe?

SML: Stowe Mountain Lodge is thepremier slopeside resort in the East, so as you can imagine winter is definitely the busiest time of year. Having said that, we are a four season resort with two golf courses and the Spruce Peak Outfitters that creates daily adventures year round.

AM: What kinds of services are offered at Stowe's spa?

SML: The Spa at Spruce Peak offers a wide variety of treatments from our one-of-a-kind “Live Like a Local” series to the typical massage or facial. AM: We enjoyed staying in our room which was a 1 bedroom suite - what are the offerings in the rooms and what are special amenities that are offered to guests?

SML: Our suites (1,2 &3 bedrooms) of fer guests a full kitchen, fireplace and balcony where guests can look out at the mountain views.

Our Studios offer a kitchenette, fireplace and balcony.

Our Classic rooms are more of a typical hotel guestroom.

Our Front Four units offer a private lobby with check in and departure as well as a private concierge. There’s a meeting room as well as a continental breakfast.

The rooms have a full living room, kitchen, fireplace and balcony.

You can see all of our accommodations at Stowe Mountain Lodge here.AM: Can you share the different rooms available in terms of being a guest, being able to own one of the rooms (and how this also allows owners to rent them out etc)?

SML: All of the rooms at SML are available for purchase. Owners have the option of joining our rental pool where we maintain the room and they enjoy special benefits of being in our rental program. PHOTO CREDITS | Stowe Mountain Lodge courtesy of Stowe Mountain Lodge and GMC Denali shot by Athleisure Mag

Are you a pet lover? Have you ever wanted to experience the adventure together with your pet?

Ireland is a good country for you and your adored pet to get on a road trip. If this is the first time that you’re planning a trip together with your pet then you might need some extra preparation, check the tips below to see if you got everything covered:

1) Get Insured. Just so you can put your mind at ease and enjoy the rest of your trip with your buddy, get insured! Better be safe than sorry, as they say. You can get car insurance for assistance during unexpected scenarios such as engine breakdown or vehicular accidents. Additionally, you can get travel insurance for you and your pet as well so that you fully covered in case something happens to you.

2) Visit Pet-Friendly Destinations. Your pet surely enjoys seeing you having fun with all the destinations you’re going to. But, wouldn’t it be better if you look at your pet having the time of his life with pet-friendly places? There are beaches in Ireland which welcome animals as guests, such as the Curracloe Beach, Cwm Yr Eglwys Beach and Courtown Beach. Your pet will surely enjoy walking on the beach and lounging around while watching people and other pets too.

3) Bring Pet Equipment. Did you think that humans are the only ones who need gears? Your pet needs gear as well! Equip him with a sturdy leash and a poop bag if you can to reduce the waste as you travel. A sturdy leash will keep him in control and close to you. Bring your pet’s favorite toys to keep calm him and keep him pre-occupied in the case the throws tantrums during the trip.

4) Stay in a Pet-Friendly Route. If your pet gets scared by darkness or an environment filled with forests, it’s best to drive along the road and in the open so that your pet won’t get easily scared as he watches his surroundings change. Seeing the sky and the ground will probably give your pet some familiarity and joy as he sits by your side in the passenger’s seat.

5) Train Your Pet Prior Your Trip. By bringing your pet on a road trip, you are letting him mingle with other people and other animals. If your pet is not used to this kind of environment, it might cause a problem. Your pet might probably curl up and be sad for the rest of the day or throw tantrums.

Furthermore, he might misbehave in public places. It’s best to accustom your pet in a public environment as well as train him to behave in a good manner to avoid any problems. That will also increase your pet’s excitement and chances of getting some treats from you and from the new friends you’ll make as you go with your journey.

Before heading to any road trip in Ireland, get car insurance that’s cheap and got you covered in case of emergencies and unexpected scenarios! You can easily get a quotation from AA Ireland. Getting car insurance ensures not only for your car’s safety but for you and your pet’s as well.

Founded in 2013, Sourced Adventures’ mission is to make the outdoor accessible and affordable to anyone and everyone who lives in New York City. Since then, they have expanded to more than 5 different US cities and now offer a suite of international destinations as well.

Sourced Adventures has its roots in the travel industry. The brand’s founder, Kyle Davidson was an Adventure Tour Guide in a previous life. Now, that same commitment to a great customer experience is embodied by the company’s tour guide feels as a central sentiment within the company culture. The SA Management team now consists of a diverse group of travel professionals with varied experience including the Ski industry and Outdoor Education.

We had the pleasure of attending a recent trip that left NYC and combined yoga in a vineyard, a wine tasting and some free time to enjoy the space as well as to continue drinking more wine. Day trips include your transportation, lunch on site and the opportunity to bring a group with you or to meet new people. Trips leave from two locations in the city earlier in the morning and return early evening which allows you to go home and continue your night.

Sourced Adventures has three main product offerings. The flagship products are local adventure day trips out of several US cities including NYC, DC, Boston and Chicago. The goal with these products is to make it easy for absolutely anyone to escape the city and get into the outdoors. They also have several guided and unguided international trips to destinations such as Iceland, Mexico, Scotland and more. Finally, they work with corporate and private clients to build tailor-made international itineraries or custom corporate retreats.

Feedback is an integral part when it comes to adding new adventures to the offerings at Sourced Adventures. When we attended our adventure, we noticed that a number of people had attended their Hiking and Brewing Program or had planned to do so. According to the Sourced Adventure team, this trip was included due to repeated requests from the community of travelers for a hiking trip to be offered.

Sometimes, you just need to get away from it all and enjoy a real holiday from the ups and downs of life. In my opinion, there is no better place than the Bahamas for the ultimate luxury getaway. Located off the south coast of Florida, these islands are a literal paradise on Earth filled with sunshine, good food and lots to keep you occupied. With year-round warm weather and a nation full of friendly people to meet, it’s the perfect vacation destination for summer, winter or fall. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or a fun-filled adventure exploring the islands, the Bahamas has it all and always with a smile on its face.

First things first: the food. The Bahamas is actually an archipelago comprising of 700 different islands and, because of this, it is an absolute haven for fresh seafood. The rich and varied ecology of the surrounding ocean is prized and protected by the Bahamian people, but it also makes up the staples of their diet. The national dish is the conch, which can be prepared and enjoyed in a variety of different ways, from a fresh salad, to conch fritters, to conch chowder. It’s a tasty, nutritious food high in protein and vitamin E so makes the perfect meal for any (or every!) day of your trip.

Head to the capital city of Nassau, located on Providence Island, for some fine dining with a local flavour, or simply stop by one of the many fresh conch shacks spread throughout the islands. In my opinion, this is the best way to experience the true taste of the Bahamas. Don’t forget to wash it down with one of the nation’s signature drinks! After a day spent exploring, nothing feels better than relaxing in the balmy evening air with a cocktail or two. The Bahamas is famous for its sun, sand and seabut also two drinks in particular: the Bahama Mama and Sky Juice. Both are widely available across the islands, but perhaps one of the best Sky Juices I have found is made at the exclusive Sip Sip bar located within the Atlantis Resort.

The Bahamas is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy long, lazy days lying on the miles of golden sand. However, I know that after a couple of days of this I am raring to go burn some energy and get that adrenaline pumping again. Well, the Bahamas caters well to those with a sense of adventure with activities ranging from a gentle swim with the Exuma pigs, to feeding sharks at Hawk’s Nest. Whether you fancy a hike through the breathtaking beauty of Long Island or a climb up Mt. Alvernia to visit the Bat Cave, there’s a different activity to get you going every day of the week.

Just because you’re on vacation, there’s no need to neglect your beloved fitness regime if you don’t want to - even if you'reon your honeymoon! What could be better than a run along the beach as the sun sets over the Atlantic? Or a sun salutation amongst the lush greenery of the Exumas? After all, this is exercise in paradise and I can’t think of anything better.

After a hard day’s exploring, however, it is time to unwind and soak up the relaxed vibes of the island. The temperature drops by a few degrees in the night-time, making for a refreshing but still balmy evening. Perfect for strolling along the sand under the moon and perhaps enjoying a romantic bonfire on the beach. Or you could check out the nightlife and discover the traditional sights and sounds of Bahamian music: goombay, junkanoo and rake & scrape. The infamous Atlantis Resort is available for those who want to try their hand in the casino, and the nightclubs of Freeport keep playing all night long.

There are many reasons why the Bahamas attracts over 6 million visitors a year and they are all just waiting there for you to discover them. If you’ve been dreaming of the indulgent, exciting holiday of a lifetime then look no further than this unique island nation. It’s one of my favourite places in the world to spend some time away from the business of real life, and I hope that it becomes just as special to you too.

As a modern luxury traveller, you expect that five star resorts provide you with luxuries you cannot find anywhere else. What most luxury travellers are looking for is an authentic, simple, yet exclusive experience when staying at a five star luxury resort. To achieve this, different resorts will have different amenities in order to stand out, and remain competitive in this cutthroat industry. With that being said, there are a couple of basic amenities that you should find regardless of the five star hotel that you choose.

These amenities include:

AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICE

The main reason you would book a five star resort is to be pampered beyond your wildest imagination. This should be a hassle-free vacation, an element that should begin right from the airport. Getting from the airport to the resort on your own can be a real bother especially if it is your first time in the location. Reputable five star resorts provide airport transfer services to their guests in order to ensure their ultimate comfort as well as guarantee a hassle-free ride from the airport to the establishment. Be sure to check if the resort you intend to stay in offers this amenity before making a reservation.

THE INFINITY POOL

The infinity pool is the ultimate show of luxury and comfort, and is one of the best ways to pamper hotel guests to the maximum. Everyone loves this type of pool because of its mesmerizing visual effects. Furthermore, a selfie by the side of an infinity pool Bali is a great addition to your social media posts. Every five star resort worth its salt has an infinity pool whereby guests can enjoy their mornings, afternoons, and evenings while drinking their favourite beverages and indulging in world-class salads, snacks, sea foods, and deserts.

A SAFE

Individuals who choose to stay in a resort will usually carry with them several valuable items. These items include watches, jewellery, cash, electronic devices, and documents such as passports. The guest should not be expected to haul these items everywhere as they move from one spot to the next within the resort. In addition, the guests will need a secure place to store these items when they are having a swim, or when having drinks with fellow guests.

Hence, it is imperative that the resort provide the guest with a secure safe that is impenetrable to third parties. The safe should ideally be located inside the guest’s room, and there should be cameras on every floor covering every door to see who leaves and who enters a room. Furthermore, access to the rooms should only be through special key cards that cannot be duplicated in order to further enhance the security of the room, and the safe within it. The safe lock should be of the highest quality and use the best technological innovations to ensure that unauthorized access into the safe is prohibited.

If you know you will be travelling with valuable items on your person, be sure to inquire if the resort has a secure safe where you can place those items and remain assured that they will remain safe throughout your stay in the hotel.

24 HOUR RECEPTION AND ROOM SERVICE

As mentioned previously, people opt to stay in five star resorts because they expect luxury, exquisite comfort, and to be pampered. They want all their needs and demands to be met when they stay at such exclusive joints, and they want these needs met instantly. For this reason, five star resorts need to provide their guests with 24 hour reception and room service. The hotel staff need to be trained on how to meet guest needs and requests whenever they happen even when they are called upon in the late hours of the night or before the break of dawn to attend to a guest.

We have yet to hit our stride in terms of the weather. On those days that the temperatures hit beyond believable temperatures, you want to wear looks that keep your style easy and allows you to truly transition throughout your day and on until the night. Our fashion editorial focuses on musts from fashion to beauty! and the most important part, hydration. One of our favorite parts of the city is Flatiron which has a number of historic and iconic buildings, our favorite eateries, lounges and workout studios! When it comes to meeting up with your girlfriends during the week or on the weekend, it's equidistant from whatever neighborhood you're coming from. We have some tips to help you navigate this season.

KEEP IT EASY

From a style perspective, we love rompers because they allow you to take on a number of activities from a meeting, heading to the office, Happy Hour cocktails, shopping and date night. With the challenges of hot temperatures you want to be able to wear an outfit that you can pull on and not have to think about it again. Romply has a number of fun prints and the way you can accessorize it makes it your own!

ACCESSORIZE!

Any look is enhanced with the power of an accessory. Fans of the magazine know that we love statement jewelry whether stacked or worn alone. In this month's editorial, we showcased an assortment of Virgins, Saints & Angels which has a number of pieces that have that perfect herital look and adds great visual texture to your look. We also love Talia which allows you to customize your look and brings amazing bling to your look no matter how casual or glam it is.

No matter the season, we believe there is a boot that can be paired with what you're rocking. in the summer, we love an ankle boot which is a great way to elongate the look and for this shoot, we included Qupid which has a massive collection of shoes that are on trend across your lifestyle.

THE LOOK

When it's hot, we love a sunkissed glow which will only increase when the weather gets steamier! This looks incorporates bronzer and fun lip hues that are neutral as well as vibrant to play up your features as you choose.

Hydration is key and although water is always our go to, when you want to switch it up, we suggest WTRMLN WTR which has a range of watermelon beverages that are super hydrating. They can be enjoyed alone or mixed into your beverage of choice.

Our shoot took place outside in Flatiron and we headed to Patisserie Chanson at Dessert Bar an underground dessert bar, a renovated speakeasy which has a tasting menu of sweet to savory desserts and phenomenal cocktails. We also shot at The Loft in Flatiron which is an event space that also has a bar which makes it perfect for a number of events that you can imagine.

We've talked about Obstacle Course Races (OCR) before and in this month's fitness focused issue, we sat down with Hunter McIntyre to talk about his upcoming Tough Mudder X Championship presented by KILL CLIFF race taking place on July 28th and airing on CBS. We wanted to know how he got into this sport, how he trains for it and why he enjoys doing them.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your athletic background as we know you were a cross country runner and champion wrestler in high school.

HUNTER MCINTYRE: My grandfather was an Olympic athlete and he really helped me believe that I could become a great athlete myself. He would constantly tell me that I was really fast and encouraged me to run track and field. My ability to run quickly and my experience with wrestling has really translated into my training now.

AM: How did you get into the world of Tough Mudder and other OCR competitions?

HM: While living with my friends in Malibu, my one friend challenged me to compete in an OCR race. At that point, I hadn’t been training for an obstacle race, just body building. In the short time I had to train for that race, I would run up and down my driveway for hours and I ended up finishing 6th place out of around 10,000 participants. I was all-in after that.

AM: What is it about OCR in general that you enjoy?

HM: The best thing is, the opportunity is what you make of it. It’s a sport that you can train for anywhere and everywhere. I can go for a run in Central Park, go to the gym to lift and I can mix in some rock climbing with my friends to train. Most of all, I just love being outdoors.

AM: How do you train for OCR versus just maintaining your workout?

HM: When training for a Tough Mudder, I’ll run once or twice per day, six days per week. It also depends on the distance and location of the event. For World’s Toughest Mudder, I’ll spend 2-4 hours per day training in the woods. When I’m not training for a race, I just like to get in the gym and challenge myself to get as strong as I can. That’s when my friends and I put a big emphasis on strength training.

AM: What are your go to foods that you eat when you're maintaining your body and what 3 splurge foods do you enjoy?

HM: I stick to a high carbohydrate diet. I eat a lot of pancakes and Honey Nut Cheerios. There are some days when I’ll eat 10 apples per day. For two months leading up to the Tough Mudder X Championship I ate a 14oz or 16oz ribeye steak every single night. That steak every night became my sleeping pill and I always feel rejuvenated the next morning. I do splurge on Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from time to time.

AM: Where did your name, "The Sheriff" come from?

HM: One of my friends called me “The Sheriff” one day and it really just stuck with me from then on.

AM: With such an intense schedule how do you take time for yourself?

HM: When I’m not training or I’ve just finished an event, I really like to just chill and relax at my place in Malibu. Since I’m on the road a lot, I enjoy that time at home when I can.

AM: How important is travel to you and what are 3 of your favorite places that you enjoy going to?

HM: It’s important to disconnect work travel and travel for pleasure. I’m always traveling for events, but my top vacation spots would be St. Barts, Telluride, Colorado and Big Sur.

AM: On Sat July 28th, you will be defending your title in the finale of the Tough Mudder X Championship presented by Kill Cliff airing on CBS - how have you prepared for this competition physically and mentally?

HM: Preparing for the TMX Championship, I put myself in tough training situations. This year, I trained extremely hard in the mountains of Park City, Utah.

AM: What has it been like to compete alongside athletes that are comprised of Navy Seals, UFC Fighters, CrossFit, American Ninja Warriors?

HM: It’s great because you learn to respect and understand the ways these other athletes train and the way they approach the same events, differently. I really enjoy learning and picking up some tools from each of them.

This month we chatted with the Cabin Crew of Emirates Airlines to find out some tips to keep in mind from packing to being active onboard. Their tips are worth noting when flying first class domestically and internationally.

GET PACKING

Keep a Goodie Bag

No matter where you're headed, there are essentials you will always need. While airlines offer great onboard amenities, keep a ziploc bag at the ready and simply replenish the small bottles as needed. They suggest the recently updated The Urban Travellers collection, which is comprised of different pouches in a variety of sizes, styles and colors.

Assemble a Capsule Collection

Create outfits and pieces that are easily coordinated to create different looks. Think basics: black pants, white jeans, neutral t-shirts, jean jacket. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to free up space in your luggage and keep you warm during travel.

Don't Forget Statement Jewelry

Bring a pair of statement earrings and bangles to add that pop of color.

Roll or Lay Flat?

The great debate! Roll your clothes to maximize space, or lay them flat to minimize creases. Fill suitcase gaps with socks, belts, intimates and hair tools to create a flat surface before laying down clothing.

Prepare for the Plane

Your brain and body will always thank you for a carefully constructed carry-on.

In the case of Milan, it can be said that innovation and creativity have always been part of the city's history. Not only, therefore, when things are running for the best, but also when, as in the 90s of the last century, not everything has run the right way. In short, the Milanese spirit is what makes the city so fascinating with evident reflections in different fields: fashion, design, gastronomy and the entertainment industry. Here come the best Milan travel tips for you

The dome has so much more to offer!

It must be said that the centrality of the square also contributes to the popularity of the building, a hub for almost all the Milanese tourist attractions, and for this reason, it is generally used as a starting point for visiting the city. Furthermore, do not miss the climb on the roof (by elevator) and the visit of the underground with the archaeological remains of the original Basilica of Santa Tecla, on whose foundations GianGaleazzo Visconti ordered the construction of the new temple.

Marveling at the famous iconic Galleria is not be missed

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a real shopping center with boutiques of the leading brands of high fashion alongside historic cafés and fast food chains. Together with the so-called "Quadrilaterod'Oro", the gallery is one of the "stages" of the Milanese star system and showbiz. In short, there are those who come to look and who, instead, to be looked at. Beautiful always, at Christmas time, according to many, is transformed into the most "in" place of the city.

Shopping for some luxury items (or simply look at the windows!)

In Milan, it is impossible not to make purchases. We have already seen it with the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II but it is the so-called "QuadrilaterodellaModa" (via Montenapoleone, via dellaSpiga, via Manzoni, via Sant'Andrea) the shopping temple in Milan. Ferragamo, Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Krizia, Dolce &Gabbana, Trussardi, Chanel, Moschino, Versace and other big brands are practically all present in a concentration that is not found anywhere else in the world, even in New York.

Missing CastelloSforzesco would be a pity

CastelloSforzesco, another obligatory stop for a visit to Milan, is not far from the Duomo. And, just like the city's cathedral, the construction of this fortress is due to GianGaleazzo Sforza who, continuing the initial work of his predecessor Galeazzo II Visconti, built housing for the troops, rearranging the park and the moat at the same time about. The park nearby is great to chill and relax!

Relying on public transportation could be a mistake

This Milan travel tip is a good one. Italian public transport could be quite a nightmare. Especially when it comes to long distances paths for example from the airport or the train station to the very center of the city. Hiring a car could be a life-savior option. When I went to Milan last summer I used holidayautos.com. How amazing was that! It gave me the opportunity to compare car hire in Milan and have a cheap and stress-free ride to explore the city in a quick and practical way.

On July 22nd, Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa will host the final round of the 2018 Guanacaste Classic on July 22 on its famed Robert Trent Jones II golf course in Costa Rica. The 16th edition of the tournament offers four flights based on official United States Golf Association handicaps and occurs on Costa Rica's top golf courses. Audubon International bestowed this certification to Reserva Conchal which is the first course to have this in Costa Rica. It boasts a world-class practice facility and learning center with four green complexes, bunkers, chipping and approach areas, and an expansive practice tee.

“We are pleased to once again host the final round of the Guanacaste Classic, as it is one of the premier tournaments in the region,” says Carlos Rojas Soto, Director of Golf of Reserva Conchal. “The tournament boasts a full field and a wonderful roster of golf courses that will provide myriad challenges.”

Earlier this May, Reserva Conchal was the site of the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica’s Essential Costa Rica Classic. Reserva Conchal hosted the inaugural tournament in 2017, which was Costa Rica’s first PGA TOUR event in more than 30 years. Many players in the field raved about the golf course for its playability, scenery and conditions.

With a passion to unite the hair industry and to create a community for hairstylists, she created ManeAddicts.com in 2014 and provides access to top hairstylists as well as featuring products and instructional videos. Due to its success, she expanded to Mane University, a global education resource that brings top stylists to major cities around the world to inspire hairdressers.

We took a moment to chat with Jen about her career, her favorite summer hair looks as well as a new pop, OUAISPACE that is being held at Gurney's in Montauk.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the ah ha moment that drew you to being a hairstylist? Tell us what your journey has been as you have built your name in the industry to being one of the most sought after hairstylists?

JEN ATKIN: I’ve always loved doing hair and was obsessed with Natalie Imbruglia’s short haircut in her ’Torn’ music video when I was a teenager in Utah. No one could give me the cut I wanted, so I went to the store, bought a pack of shaving razors, and started cutting my own hair. Soon I was cutting all my friends’ hair in my parent’s garage. After high school, I drove to California with literally only $300 and my Honda Civic hatchback. I called al the salons in Allure's beauty directory until finally someone returned my call and I started working as a receptionist at Estilo Salon in Beverly Hills. I remember running out to feed meters for Bette Midler and I was so excited and thought “I could move back home that was enough for me” lol.

I’ve just really worked hard and tried to be an honest good person. I’m so lucky I’ve had such support from my clients and friends.

AM: In 2016, you created OUAI - why did you want to add a haircare line to your ecosystem?

JA: It felt very odd to me that there were a lot of men in boardrooms making decisions about what women want for our hair. I wanted to create the first product line a community helped create, promoting a realistic lifestyle that feels inclusive. It was important for me to have a group of women talking to other women about their haircare needs. I think that more brands are trying to empower women. I want to change the conversation in business and beauty! I wanted to stop making the conversation only about women being pretty and start celebrating the spirit and power of being a woman in business.

AM: Why and how did the partnership between Gurney's Resorts come about?

JA: We’ve had pop-ups in NY & LA before so it only felt natural to partner w/ Gurney’s in Montauk.

AM: Will there be future integrations of OUAISPACE of this nature like this and if so why did you start at Gurney's first?

JA: Yes! The look and feel of Gurney’s is so relaxing and just feels easy. Which goes hand-in-hand with what OUAI’s aesthetic is.

AM: With summer hair dreams in our minds what are 3 products that are a must to give you perfect beach hair?

OUAI Sun of a Beach Ombré Spray – In the summer people want to spend more time outdoors and less time sitting at their salon. There are new trending ingredients (like the coconut water in our Sun of a Beach) that help keep hair hydrated and give this fun throwback product a modern update.

OUAI Wave Spray – Give your hair natural wave & body without the crunchiness and it’s made with rice protein instead of salt so it won’t dry out your hair.

Christophe Robin Prickly Pear Balm - This is a non-sticky, multipurpose balm infused with all butter and oils to nourish the hair and skin so you can use it all over. Rub some together in your hands and rub it on your ends for a more textured look. To tame frizz, rub a little on your hair and smooth down those flyaway. And for curls, it can be used to redefine and add shine/hold.

AM: What are your favorite products from your line?

JA: My favorites would definitely be the OUAI Treatment Masque because I love the individual packettes that are perfect for throwing in my purse or gym bag and doing a treatment while I work out. I’m also obsessed with the OUAI Dry Shampoo Foam because it’s unlike any other hair products on the market. You can extend between washes 3-4 days. It’s dry shampoo on steroids. You need it in your purse, your gym bag and your hair right now.

AM: What classic updo hairstyle do you suggest should become our go to look this summer? Let us know how we can achieve it and what products we need to have on hand to make it happen.

JA: I suggest the Textured High Pony

1. Pull hair in back into half pony

2. Add the rest of hair and secure with an elastic at the crown of the head

One of the most annoying things about wearing swimwear is that it can really mess up your tan. We all want to avoid embarrassing tanlines, but sometimes it’s not possible to bare all in order to get that all-over tan. So when we heard about CoolTan® , a company that created tan through swimwear and shirts which let you get a natural, all-over tan without having to deal with messy lotions or damaging tanning beds, we were absolutely blown away!

CoolTan shirts and swimwear harness the power of the sun to get you the best overall tan while wearing a cooling and comfortable swimsuit or shirt. The secret is Microsol®, a unique lightweight, high quality, and attractive fabric which allows sunlight through your shirt and swimsuit like a medium level sunscreen. This eliminates the need for messy sprays and lotions and allows you to get an even, overall tan while going about your day- whether you’re at the beach, boating, on vacation, or even just relaxing in your backyard. You’ll get a tan about as fast as you would with a medium SPF sunscreen, but without that sticky residue that we all know about too well.

The best part is that CoolTan makes a variety of tan-through products including: polos, henleys, men’s racers and shorts, women’s one-piece and two-piece suits, and t-shirts and tanks. Plus, Cooltan items are fully machine washable and fast-drying, plus are resistant against chlorine and salt water.

CoolTan tan through shirts and swimwear finally eliminate those dreaded tanlines and allow you to look stylish and keep cool all summer long.

The Caribbean is a place many people dream of visiting. It has white sandy beaches, tranquil waters, friendly locals and that unique Afro-Caribbean feel famous the world over through its music of reggae and famous people such as Bob Marley. When you think of this part of the world, one thing comes to mind, relaxation. You can find beach homes in anguilla, or private villas on the British Virgin Islands, you can swim with sharks or dive into caves. This part of the world has a lot to offer both the thrill seeker and those who simply love the ocean. Each of the many islands, archipelagos and reefs have different things to offer different people, it all depends on what you want from your trip. Some islands are quite famous such as Jamaica and Barbados, while others are lesser well-known such as those which make up the US Virgin Islands or the already mentioned Anguilla.

This is both due to their relatively small size and the large competition that they are up against, but these islands have just as much to offer as the big ones. A unique culture, beautiful weather and landscapes and a well-developed tourist industry. Here I have compiled several facts about the island of Anguilla to show you what else there is on offer in just one of the Caribbean’s numerous islands.

History:

The history of the island dates back over 4000 years to the first Amerindian who inhabited the island. It’s possible to see some of their early petroglyphs in underground caves on the island, a perfect day trip for a history buff.

The original settlers farmed and fished on the island until the arrival of British colonisers in the 1600’s. For the next 400 years, the island went through stages of colonisation briefly by the French but mainly by the British. The British introduced plantation farming, slavery and other facets of colonisation of the time.

Modern-day Anguilla is now an independent territory of the United Kingdom with some independent governance.

Language:

Due to the influence of Britain, most of the island's population speak standard English although it is hugely influenced by both African languages descended from slaves and immigrant populations. You can also find French, Spanish and different versions of Creole on the island. English should be fine on the island though and you will have no issues getting around.

The second major language as a version of creole native to Anguilla. Creole is a mixture of native English and African languages which have fused to become their own unique language. You can find other versions of Creole throughout the different island in the Caribbean.

Population:

The population of the island is in the region of 15,000 people with most of the population being African, late descendants of slaves to the island. In the minority are both white and Asian populations. You can also find a large population of immigrants from neighbouring islands and Mexico. This large population of immigrants is and was due to a shortage of manual labour to help support the building of tourist infrastructure on the island as the native population wasn’t large enough to support the growth of tourism on the island. This is one of the main reasons for the large variety of languages infused in such a small population.

Economy:

Due to the mass plantations and arid soil of Anguilla, most of the land was or has become unsuitable for farming. This lead to a huge import economy of the island as they must import, food, oil and almost all other items necessary for a functioning and healthy economy, for this reason, the island has had to come up with some unique but not uncommon ways of generating income.

It has become a tax haven as it has no capital gains tax on individuals or corporations meaning many companies have shifted their tax base to the island. Other monetary forms the island incorporates to generate income include offshore incorporation and management, offshore banking and captive insurance. In this way, the island has made itself a popular destination for large companies and wealthy individuals.

The offset of this has been the huge increase in tourism to the island, primarily luxury travel. This added benefit has made the island the go-to destination that it has become. You can find beachfront villas, world-class resorts and all the amenities to go with this.

Having hosted the world travel awards in 2014 and being voted the leading luxury island destination of that year didn’t hurt its reputation especially going up against places such as Mauritius and the Maldives.

Transportation:

Being a relatively small and secluded island getting to and from the island can be a little difficult especially as the airport is not serviced by direct flights from Europe or the United States. But there are other ways around this.

There is a regular ferry service from Saint Martin island which takes around 20 minutes. This is the most common service and the port at Blowing point also serves Anguilla airport to make travel a little easier if you do need to catch a flight.

The airport on Anguilla has regular flights to other islands within the Caribbean, its closest major airport connection is to Puerto Rico which is where many visitors begin and end their journey.

This list was to show you that even the smaller Caribbean islands can still act as your go-to destination.

We're always excited to be introduced to a number of creatives across verticals here at Athleisure Mag. A few weeks ago, we got an advanced copy of Soul: A Chef's Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes and from the selected dishes, colorful imagery and the voice of Chef Todd Richards, we had to interview him for this month's issue. He brings to life what soul food means as a genre and how it can be interpreted within its classic dishes as well as being utilized in other dishes that are not commonly thought to align with this category. Chef Richards is self-taught, passionate about educating others about the food and bringing the love and community that surrounds it.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you know that you wanted to be a chef and what was your journey to getting there?

TODD RICHARDS: I really knew that I wanted to be a chef when my first job was being a butcher at Kroger in Atlanta and people at the meat counter would ask me questions about how to prepare things. I figured that I needed to know how to prepare those items that I was serving so I started studying and I thought, "this is really cool." There was someone across the street that needed someone to grill so I thought, if I can cut the meat, then I should be able to grill. So I started working there and then I never really looked back. The creative process of learning how to butcher and preparing meat satisfied that creative need that I had.

AM: You've been on Iron Chef and have 2 James Beard Nominations for Best Chef in the Southeast, what do these accolades mean to you and what was it like being on the show and receiving these honors?

TR: It's such a great honor to be on Iron Chef and to be a James Beard Award Nominee but it doesn't just stop there it really fuels me to be even better, and I think that that has always been the catalyst that I got from my parents. What happens right now is great, but you always have to keep striving regardless of how many awards that you may win.

TR: Well Richards' Southern Fried is a chicken walkup. I really wanted to do Fried Chicken because mainly at the Ritz Carlton, it was one of the most popular dishes that we served - imagine that you're at the Ritz, one of the most luxurious hotels and that's what people are eating! We put that on the menu and people went crazy!

We also entered that recipe into a couple of Fried Chicken competitions and we won those as well. I knew that we had something really good going on, and it was like, we need to do this because people always ask about it. That's how Southern Fried started.

AM: How do you define Soul food and why is that an area you decided to focus on as a chef?

TR: Well the first thing is that soul food is only defined by 1950's/1960's just in that genre of food. It was only in that time period that there was an African American contribution in that area not before and then not after. Really it's a misnomer of the technically driven cuisine that soul food is. Most people do not understand it that way, but if you think about it, how in the hell do you make chitlins taste good - you have to have skill to make them good and to make something like collard greens taste good. Those things are all technically skilled recipes and I believe that soul food has the same place as French cuisine or Japanese cuisine.

AM: With your cookbook being available, what was the thought behind creating Soul?

TR: I wanted readers to know that soul food is always progressing. Soul food, especially in African American culture, is not just one straight society and there are a lot of different variations in our culture and in our food that we're known for. If you take the ingredients and explore them, in different manners and in understanding the technique, there are different ways that we are talking about in true American cuisine that have techniques from all around the world, but is distinctly, African American cooking in taste.

AM: When we flipped through your cookbook, we were struck with the Collard Green Pesto as we're fans of pesto - looking through the offered recipes there are classics, twists on a classic as it pertains to soul food as well as taking dishes that are not in this area of food and adding soul to it - how do you go about doing that?

TR: When you think about collard greens that our grandmothers put on the stove - the way that they approached it with the onions and braising the pork and things like that - it was always a technical cuisine. So when you look at other cuisines around the world, it's always starting with the simplest of ingredients and how we just do them correctly without destroying the integrity of them.

When you look at collard greens and why it makes sense for a pesto, it stands up well to oil, it loves vinegar, creams and stuff like that. So it makes sense that as a leafy vegetable that it would work in a dish like that.

AM: If you had to choose 3 meals that you would cook over a weekend, what would they be that are in your book?

TR: Well, fortunately, we grow a lot of food in our home so right now we're growing a lot of tomatoes - so definitely tomatoes! Sliced tomatoes with a little vinaigrette and all the flowers that we still have held over from the winter - like brussel sprout flowers. The next thing would be my mom's Fried Catfish because I don't think that there is anything better than dipping it in your own hot sauce. The way that she always prepared the catfish, it was crispy and you just dipped the catfish in the hot sauce and all this vinegar, pepper and using garlic and onions in there as well which has really great sensibility. And because I love to have a cocktail, strawberries are in season right now - the Strawberry Rum Cooler is a great way to use strawberries. Don't get those really pretty ones, get the ugly ones that are kind of soft and when you bite into them the juice just runs down your chin. Those are the strawberries that you want for a Strawberry Rum Cooler!

AM: What are your 3 favorite meals that are in this book?

TR: It is so hard because the book is divided by ingredients. In this period of time right now, onions, spring lamb is available - I use that as a reference because my answers today will be different then when it is in the fall when there are collard greens. Seafood is universal so you can enjoy that any time. But just to understand that we are at the end of collard green season so having the Collard Green Pesto with Poached Oysters might be at the end of that season but pairing it with tomatoes - it will make it make more sense.

AM: What's on your playlist when you're cooking?

TR: The great thing is that in the back of the book, there actually is a playlist and on Spotify there is a soul food playlist as well that we put up. And growing up with my parents, we were the hospitality center of our entire family - every birthday, holiday, Christmas party - I think that we even had a bah mitzvah at our house. It didn't matter we loved any reason to celebrate and food and music were intertwined together. They had the same exact place. When we were talking about soul as a cultural reference, that's one thing that African Americans - that we do. We want everything to look good visually, to taste good and to hear our passion in cooking. That to me is why I put the soundtrack in the back of the book.

AM: We love the trend where cookbooks have transcended to being lifestyle cookbooks. It feels like we're literally hearing you share your personal life as you talk about mentors and your method - was that a conscious choice?

TR: As a chef who probably has hundreds of cookbooks - I know where they all are. I still read Larousse Gastronomique - one of the bibles of cookbooks that has over 10,000 recipes. But for a consumer, we have to make cookbooks relevant so that people can continue cooking and do it with their kids. Today they are so phone sensitive and are connected to their devices. I wanted to make sure that people can always connect to the cookbook. It's as easy as when you put that song on and someone says, "man remember when you came to the house and we started smoking some ribs and we played that song from the book," or visually, you see some ugly tomatoes at the store and everyone is walking past and I know that I can make the best dish with those tomatoes. Those are the reasons why I wanted to put all those things in the book.

This is the gift that my parents gave me - being prideful and our culture which is the other sense that they gave me. Reading is so important to understanding us as a people and we have to produce things that people visually want to understand so that they can get out of their own stereotypical kind of minds and to just indulge themselves into delicious food.

AM: When you're not cooking in Atlanta, where can we find you grabbing drinks/dinner, where do you shop and what do you do in your personal time?

TR: People ask me that question all the time and it is a really difficult question to answer in the sense that I work so damn much - I like to go home! But there are a lot of good chefs that I just gravitate to and a number of them are good friends of mine. In Athens, Jerry Slater just opened The Expat. Jerry and I have had a long history in working together off and on. I look at Guy Wong who's another great friend of mine who has Ton Ton and Miso Izakaya. I look at Hector Santiago with El Super Pan. Anne Quatrano who is the matriarch of Atlanta dining scene. Every time I go to Bacchanalia I'm blown away and I feel like I just sat in my own living room having the most delicious meal. Then I go to the godfather of fine dining in Atlanta with Gerry Klaskala's Aria who everytime I see him he gives me the biggest damn hug ever! And he's only like 5'2" haha.

AM: Are you involved in any charities or how do you give of your time?

TR: Yes I am on the board of Wholesome Wave which is really important to me because we support Snap Benefits which means that dollar for dollar we match with EBT so people can go to Farmer's Markets and to get fresh food. That one is always dear to me and Lupus Foundation. Lupus affects African Americans especially African American women more then any other people in the country. It is an under served disease that affects a lot of people.

AM: Is there anything that you want to share with our readers that we can keep an eye out for?

TR: Well, the Soul Tour is traveing from NYC to the West Coast with many stops in between. Over the next month we will hit Nashville, Chicago, New Orleans, Charlotte and then back to NYC and of course many many places in Atlanta. Anyone can find me on Social Media - if you're in Atlanta, I want to know where you are and if you buy the book, I'm glad that people are posting but I want used cookbook posted - get into the kitchen and utilize it. I want to see wine stains, hot sauce stain - some boil that popped over on the book! It's great to be on the coffee table, but it's better to be in the kitchen!